Andrew Petouvis

What are the various methods of fusion energy production that exist today, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of each method?

Started May 22, 2023

Abstract or project description

The present literature review examined three different methods of fusion energy production: magnetic confinement, inertial confinement, and pulsed heating. The paper first discussed the differences between traditional nuclear energy (fission) and fusion, applications of the Theory of Relativity to fusion energy, and a summary of the challenges faced by fusion energy. The main body of research discussed four different aspects of each of the three aforementioned fusion methods: how each method produces electricity, successes that have occurred for each method, the stakeholders in each method, and the specific challenges faced by each fusion method. Additionally, in the section outlining inertial confinement, the paper discussed the differences between direct and indirect drive.